Tech Breakdown: What Is a SuperNIC? Get the Inside Scoop!

The most recent development in the rapidly evolving digital realm is generative AI. A relatively new phrase, SuperNIC, is one of the revolutionary inventions that makes it feasible.

Describe a SuperNIC

On order to accelerate hyperscale AI workloads on Ethernet-based clouds, a new family of network accelerators called SuperNIC was created. With remote direct memory access (RDMA) over converged Ethernet (RoCE) technology, it offers extremely rapid network connectivity for GPU-to-GPU communication, with throughputs of up to 400Gb/s.

SuperNICs incorporate the following special qualities:

Ensuring that data packets are received and processed in the same sequence as they were originally delivered through high-speed packet reordering. This keeps the data flow’s sequential integrity intact.

In order to regulate and prevent congestion in AI networks, advanced congestion management uses network-aware algorithms and real-time telemetry data.

In AI cloud data centers, programmable computation on the input/output (I/O) channel facilitates network architecture adaptation and extension.

Low-profile, power-efficient architecture that effectively handles AI workloads under power-constrained budgets.

Optimization for full-stack AI, encompassing system software, communication libraries, application frameworks, networking, computing, and storage.

Recently, NVIDIA revealed the first SuperNIC in the world designed specifically for AI computing, built on the BlueField-3 networking architecture. It is a component of the NVIDIA Spectrum-X platform, which allows for smooth integration with the Ethernet switch system Spectrum-4.

The NVIDIA Spectrum-4 switch system and BlueField-3 SuperNIC work together to provide an accelerated computing fabric that is optimized for AI applications. Spectrum-X outperforms conventional Ethernet settings by continuously delivering high levels of network efficiency.

Yael Shenhav, vice president of DPU and NIC products at NVIDIA, stated, “In a world where AI is driving the next wave of technological innovation, the BlueField-3 SuperNIC is a vital cog in the machinery.” “SuperNICs are essential components for enabling the future of AI computing because they guarantee that your AI workloads are executed with efficiency and speed.”

The Changing Environment of Networking and AI

Large language models and generative AI are causing a seismic change in the area of artificial intelligence. These potent technologies have opened up new avenues and made it possible for computers to perform new functions.

GPU-accelerated computing plays a critical role in the development of AI by processing massive amounts of data, training huge AI models, and enabling real-time inference. While this increased computing capacity has created opportunities, Ethernet cloud networks have also been put to the test.

The internet’s foundational technology, traditional Ethernet, was designed to link loosely connected applications and provide wide compatibility. The complex computational requirements of contemporary AI workloads, which include quickly transferring large amounts of data, closely linked parallel processing, and unusual communication patterns all of which call for optimal network connectivity were not intended for it.

Basic network interface cards (NICs) were created with interoperability, universal data transfer, and general-purpose computing in mind. They were never intended to handle the special difficulties brought on by the high processing demands of AI applications.

The necessary characteristics and capabilities for effective data transmission, low latency, and the predictable performance required for AI activities are absent from standard NICs. In contrast, SuperNICs are designed specifically for contemporary AI workloads.

Benefits of SuperNICs in AI Computing Environments

Data processing units (DPUs) are capable of high throughput, low latency network connectivity, and many other sophisticated characteristics. DPUs have become more and more common in the field of cloud computing since its launch in 2020, mostly because of their ability to separate, speed up, and offload computation from data center hardware.

SuperNICs and DPUs both have many characteristics and functions in common, however SuperNICs are specially designed to speed up networks for artificial intelligence.

The performance of distributed AI training and inference communication flows is highly dependent on the availability of network capacity. Known for their elegant designs, SuperNICs scale better than DPUs and may provide an astounding 400Gb/s of network bandwidth per GPU.

When GPUs and SuperNICs are matched 1:1 in a system, AI workload efficiency may be greatly increased, resulting in higher productivity and better business outcomes.

SuperNICs are only intended to speed up networking for cloud computing with artificial intelligence. As a result, it uses less processing power than a DPU, which needs a lot of processing power to offload programs from a host CPU.

Less power usage results from the decreased computation needs, which is especially important in systems with up to eight SuperNICs.

One of the SuperNIC’s other unique selling points is its specialized AI networking capabilities. It provides optimal congestion control, adaptive routing, and out-of-order packet handling when tightly connected with an AI-optimized NVIDIA Spectrum-4 switch. Ethernet AI cloud settings are accelerated by these cutting-edge technologies.

Transforming cloud computing with AI

The NVIDIA BlueField-3 SuperNIC is essential for AI-ready infrastructure because of its many advantages.

Maximum efficiency for AI workloads: The BlueField-3 SuperNIC is perfect for AI workloads since it was designed specifically for network-intensive, massively parallel computing. It guarantees bottleneck-free, efficient operation of AI activities.

Performance that is consistent and predictable: The BlueField-3 SuperNIC makes sure that each job and tenant in multi-tenant data centers, where many jobs are executed concurrently, is isolated, predictable, and unaffected by other network operations.

Secure multi-tenant cloud infrastructure: Data centers that handle sensitive data place a high premium on security. High security levels are maintained by the BlueField-3 SuperNIC, allowing different tenants to cohabit with separate data and processing.

Broad network infrastructure: The BlueField-3 SuperNIC is very versatile and can be easily adjusted to meet a wide range of different network infrastructure requirements.

Wide compatibility with server manufacturers: The BlueField-3 SuperNIC integrates easily with the majority of enterprise-class servers without using an excessive amount of power in data centers.

Dell Alienware 17 R5 Notebook Gaming Laptop 17.3-Inch Intel Core I7-8750H 2.20GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB HDD+256GB SSD, 8GB Nvidia GTX 1070 OC, FHD, Win10 | AW17R5-7390SLV-PCA

Crafted for immersive, high-definition gaming and VR applications, the 17.3" Alienware 17 R5 Notebook from Dell balances power and portability. It is equipped with a 1920 x 1080 IPS display with 300 cd/m2 brightness, a 60 Hz refresh rate, wide viewing angles, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 OC graphics card. With a dedicated graphics card, you'll be able to crank up in-game visual settings and enable additional graphical eye-candy options to enjoy your games at their best. Balancing out the rest of the system is a 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7-8750H processor and 16GB of 2400 MHz DDR4 RAM that'll allow you to efficiently multitask and quickly access frequently used files and programs. For storage, the Alienware 17 R5 has a 256GB PCIe M.2 SSD and a 1TB 7200 rpm SATA III 2.5" hard drive, which delivers a total storage capacity of 1.256TB. If you want to take advantage of external storage or connect peripherals such as optical drives, memory card readers, printers, and more, this can be done using one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one of which features PowerShare technology, and one Thunderbolt 3 port, which also supports USB 3.1 Gen 2. Furthermore, using its HDMI 2.0, mini-DisplayPort 1.3, and Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can connect external displays for extensive multitasking. Other integrated features include a Full HD webcam, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, a headphone/mic combo jack, a headset jack, stereo speakers, and Alienware's TactX keyboard with N-key rollover, 9 user-programmable keys, and 4-zone, multi-color RGB-LED AlienFX lighting. Included is a power adapter and a 6-cell / 99Wh lithium-ion battery. The installed operating system is Windows 10 Home (64-bit). General Features Up to 32GB RAM The memory can be upgraded to 32GB using a 16GB module in each of the 260-pin SO-DIMM slots. Internal Storage Upgrades The system's internal storage can be upgraded or added to, as there are three M.2 SSD slots (one 2242 for SATA III & NVMe PCIe, one 2280 for SATA III & NVMe PCIe, and one 2280 for NVMe PCIe), as well as one 2.5" SATA III drive bay. IPS Display Built with an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, the display will provide you with wide 140°viewing angles and vivid colors for an immersive viewing experience. Thunderbolt 3 Thunderbolt 3 is a hardware interface that utilizes the reversible USB Type-C connector. Doubling the speed of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 3 features a maximum throughput of 40 Gb/s when used with compatible devices. The connector also transmits data via USB 3.1 at up to 10 Gb/s, and dual-bandwidth DisplayPort 1.2 allows you to connect up to two 4K displays simultaneously. Additionally, you can daisy chain up to six devices from a single Thunderbolt 3 port. Designed for VR Dive into mind-bending virtual reality experiences with a VR-ready system that passes the Oculus-ready and Vive-optimized certifications. Powered by NVIDIA VRWorks technology, a level of presence is achieved by bringing physically realistic visuals, sound, touch interactions, and simulated environments to virtual reality. And with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card, the Alienware 17 goes delivers smooth VR performance. HDMI 7.1-Channel Audio The HDMI 2.0 port can output 7.1-channel digital audio. Alienware TactX Keyboard With an upgraded Alienware TactX keyboard, N-key rollover is now supported, enabling over 108-key commands for more actions per minute, and 2.2mm of key travel allows for rapid keystroke responses. Plus, it's reinforced with a steel backplate for rigidity and uniform feedback and a life of up to 10 million keystrokes. AlienFX Lighting Create a more personalized look for your machine with AlienFX lighting. This RGB/LED-enabled lighting is supported on over 130 games with the option to create and download unique themes. AlienFX lighting features 4-zone, multi-color RGB keyboard with lighting controls. Hinge-Forward Design A hinge-forward design brings the thermal shelf to the rear, enabling a variety of improved benefits, such as a thinner overall design while increasing performance, improved ventilation, higher quality sound, and external ports organization. Designed to Keep Cool A higher maximum thermal design power (TDP) support means that your system can handle a higher total wattage for internal components, enabling a higher level of performance. With the entire ventilation system upgraded, your system can stay cool even under extreme graphics pressure. Hear Every Battle Cry Due to the upgraded design, a larger and more effective speaker box has been installed, improving audio output for a clearer and more dramatic gaming experience. Clear the Desktop and the Board Avoid excess cables and embrace the "desktop mode" design, where most of your critical connections and ports are in the back and out of the way. Killer Wireless Killer DoubleShot Pro provides a wired and wireless networking setup that prioritizes internet traffic and data streams to the applications most important to you. Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port The Alienware Graphics Amplifier can be connected to this port and enables future-proofing of upgradeable full-length, dual-wide graphics and additional 4-port USB 3.1 Gen 1 hub for added peripherals. With a dedicated PCIe x4 Gen 3 with up to 40 Gb/s throughout, you won't have to worry about the disadvantages that come with a shared connection. Please note that the Alienware Graphics Amplifier is sold separately. Battery Life The Alienware 17 contains a lithium 6-cell / 99Wh battery. Build Quality The Alienware 17 uses premium materials to deliver high-performance gaming technology. Utilizing magnesium alloy for rigidity, copper for improved performance, anodized aluminum for extra protection, and steel for tactile comfort, it features a high-quality design for high-performance gaming. Experience the Full Spectrum AlienFX uses 20 different colors to create over 80 quadrillion unique themes to give your machine a more personalized look. Supported on over 130 titles, lighting zones can be customized to react to things like in-game actions, powering on and off, and notifications by pulsing, morphing, or simply holding a solid color. Once you've finished your theme, you can save and upload it to the Alienware Arena community site where you can share your custom creation with others and download any you find. And for times when you want a little less visual stimulation, AlienFX allows you to "go dark" by disabling all lighting effects until you're ready to turn them back on. Alienware Command Center 4.6 AlienFusion The "Always Ready Mode" puts your system in a state in between sleep and awake, allowing core programs to run in the background while the machine runs quietly and in a lower power mode. AlienAdrenaline Featuring customizable game and application options, a system performance optimizer, and a performance monitoring tool, AlienAdrenaline provides users with the tools they need to keep one step ahead of the competition. Thermal Controls Change settings and monitor internal temperatures and speeds of certain fans within your Alienware system using the Active Thermals module. OC Controls Take control of overclocking levels for your memory and CPU with OC controls. Monitor memory activity levels, change settings on the fly, and turn on/off auto start in one convenient place. With customer OC, you can create your own OC mode by making choices in your settings located in the "Customer Menu" section of the BIOS OC screen. Windows 10 Start Menu After its hiatus in Windows 8, the Start Menu has returned. Utilizing a combination of the traditional menu system and Windows 8's Live Tiles, the improved Start Menu gives you more information at a glance, showing notification information alongside your applications and other pinned items. Cortana Microsoft's digital personal assistant, Cortana, can answer your questions with information gleaned from both your device and the Internet at large. You can type or even talk with her, if your system has a microphone. Using her Notebook, Cortana keeps track of your needs and wants, and she learns over time to improve her information-gathering skills. Microsoft Edge After nearly 20 years, Microsoft has finally replaced its Internet Explorer web browser. With Microsoft Edge, users can write directly on web pages and share notes with friends and colleagues. It also improves the online reading experience by adding a distraction-free mode and read-it-later functionality. Edge also has built-in Cortana integration; you can have her help you find a restaurant, make a reservation, and pull up directions without leaving your browser. Windows Store For Windows 10, Microsoft has unified the Windows Store. Now, apps for PCs, tablets, and phones will all be accessible from one place. And with support for Universal Apps, one version of an app can work across all your compatible devices automatically. Windows Continuum Windows 10 was designed for a variety of screen sizes and input styles, and with its Continuum feature, it automatically adapts to fit your needs. A Windows 10 tablet on its own requires a touch-centric approach, but attaching a mouse and keyboard will shift everything to a more traditional interface. You can even attach an external monitor to your Windows 10 phone for a near-desktop experience. But it's not just the operating system; Windows Universal Apps take advantage of Continuum as well. Xbox on Windows 10 Gaming is a big focus of Windows 10. Xbox integration allows for PC players to match up against Xbox One players on supported games, and if you have an Xbox One, you can even stream compatible titles to your PC. Native support for recording with the new Game DVR feature makes it easy to capture and share your gameplay. The new DirectX12 takes better advantage of multi-core processors, giving games a performance boost, even on older hardware. Windows 10 also features native support for virtual reality headsets, such as the Oculus Rift. Read the full article

Tech Breakdown: What Is a SuperNIC? Get the Inside Scoop!

The most recent development in the rapidly evolving digital realm is generative AI. A relatively new phrase, SuperNIC, is one of the revolutionary inventions that makes it feasible.

Describe a SuperNIC

On order to accelerate hyperscale AI workloads on Ethernet-based clouds, a new family of network accelerators called SuperNIC was created. With remote direct memory access (RDMA) over converged Ethernet (RoCE) technology, it offers extremely rapid network connectivity for GPU-to-GPU communication, with throughputs of up to 400Gb/s.

SuperNICs incorporate the following special qualities:

Ensuring that data packets are received and processed in the same sequence as they were originally delivered through high-speed packet reordering. This keeps the data flow’s sequential integrity intact.

In order to regulate and prevent congestion in AI networks, advanced congestion management uses network-aware algorithms and real-time telemetry data.

In AI cloud data centers, programmable computation on the input/output (I/O) channel facilitates network architecture adaptation and extension.

Low-profile, power-efficient architecture that effectively handles AI workloads under power-constrained budgets.

Optimization for full-stack AI, encompassing system software, communication libraries, application frameworks, networking, computing, and storage.

Recently, NVIDIA revealed the first SuperNIC in the world designed specifically for AI computing, built on the BlueField-3 networking architecture. It is a component of the NVIDIA Spectrum-X platform, which allows for smooth integration with the Ethernet switch system Spectrum-4.

The NVIDIA Spectrum-4 switch system and BlueField-3 SuperNIC work together to provide an accelerated computing fabric that is optimized for AI applications. Spectrum-X outperforms conventional Ethernet settings by continuously delivering high levels of network efficiency.

Yael Shenhav, vice president of DPU and NIC products at NVIDIA, stated, “In a world where AI is driving the next wave of technological innovation, the BlueField-3 SuperNIC is a vital cog in the machinery.” “SuperNICs are essential components for enabling the future of AI computing because they guarantee that your AI workloads are executed with efficiency and speed.”

The Changing Environment of Networking and AI

Large language models and generative AI are causing a seismic change in the area of artificial intelligence. These potent technologies have opened up new avenues and made it possible for computers to perform new functions.

GPU-accelerated computing plays a critical role in the development of AI by processing massive amounts of data, training huge AI models, and enabling real-time inference. While this increased computing capacity has created opportunities, Ethernet cloud networks have also been put to the test.

The internet’s foundational technology, traditional Ethernet, was designed to link loosely connected applications and provide wide compatibility. The complex computational requirements of contemporary AI workloads, which include quickly transferring large amounts of data, closely linked parallel processing, and unusual communication patterns all of which call for optimal network connectivity were not intended for it.

Basic network interface cards (NICs) were created with interoperability, universal data transfer, and general-purpose computing in mind. They were never intended to handle the special difficulties brought on by the high processing demands of AI applications.

The necessary characteristics and capabilities for effective data transmission, low latency, and the predictable performance required for AI activities are absent from standard NICs. In contrast, SuperNICs are designed specifically for contemporary AI workloads.

Benefits of SuperNICs in AI Computing Environments

Data processing units (DPUs) are capable of high throughput, low latency network connectivity, and many other sophisticated characteristics. DPUs have become more and more common in the field of cloud computing since its launch in 2020, mostly because of their ability to separate, speed up, and offload computation from data center hardware.

SuperNICs and DPUs both have many characteristics and functions in common, however SuperNICs are specially designed to speed up networks for artificial intelligence.

The performance of distributed AI training and inference communication flows is highly dependent on the availability of network capacity. Known for their elegant designs, SuperNICs scale better than DPUs and may provide an astounding 400Gb/s of network bandwidth per GPU.

When GPUs and SuperNICs are matched 1:1 in a system, AI workload efficiency may be greatly increased, resulting in higher productivity and better business outcomes.

SuperNICs are only intended to speed up networking for cloud computing with artificial intelligence. As a result, it uses less processing power than a DPU, which needs a lot of processing power to offload programs from a host CPU.

Less power usage results from the decreased computation needs, which is especially important in systems with up to eight SuperNICs.

One of the SuperNIC’s other unique selling points is its specialized AI networking capabilities. It provides optimal congestion control, adaptive routing, and out-of-order packet handling when tightly connected with an AI-optimized NVIDIA Spectrum-4 switch. Ethernet AI cloud settings are accelerated by these cutting-edge technologies.

Transforming cloud computing with AI

The NVIDIA BlueField-3 SuperNIC is essential for AI-ready infrastructure because of its many advantages.

Maximum efficiency for AI workloads: The BlueField-3 SuperNIC is perfect for AI workloads since it was designed specifically for network-intensive, massively parallel computing. It guarantees bottleneck-free, efficient operation of AI activities.

Performance that is consistent and predictable: The BlueField-3 SuperNIC makes sure that each job and tenant in multi-tenant data centers, where many jobs are executed concurrently, is isolated, predictable, and unaffected by other network operations.

Secure multi-tenant cloud infrastructure: Data centers that handle sensitive data place a high premium on security. High security levels are maintained by the BlueField-3 SuperNIC, allowing different tenants to cohabit with separate data and processing.

Broad network infrastructure: The BlueField-3 SuperNIC is very versatile and can be easily adjusted to meet a wide range of different network infrastructure requirements.

Wide compatibility with server manufacturers: The BlueField-3 SuperNIC integrates easily with the majority of enterprise-class servers without using an excessive amount of power in data centers.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

Dell Alienware 17 R5 Notebook Gaming Laptop 17.3-Inch Intel Core I7-8750H 2.20GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD+128GB SSD, 6GB Nvidia GTX 1060 OC, FHD, Win10 | AW17R5-7108SLV

Crafted for immersive, high-definition gaming and VR applications, the 17.3" Alienware 17 R5 Notebook from Dell balances power and portability. It is equipped with a 1920 x 1080 IPS display with 300 cd/m2 brightness, a 60 Hz refresh rate, wide viewing angles, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 OC graphics card. With a dedicated graphics card, you'll be able to crank up in-game visual settings and enable additional graphical eye-candy options to enjoy your games at their best. Balancing out the rest of the system is a 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7-8750H processor and 8GB of 2400 MHz DDR4 RAM that'll allow you to efficiently multitask and quickly access frequently used files and programs. For storage, the Alienware 17 R5 has a 128GB PCIe M.2 SSD and a 1TB 7200 rpm SATA III 2.5" hard drive, which delivers a total storage capacity of 1.128TB. If you want to take advantage of external storage or connect peripherals such as optical drives, memory card readers, printers, and more, this can be done using one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one of which features PowerShare technology, and one Thunderbolt 3 port, which also supports USB 3.1 Gen 2. Furthermore, using its HDMI 2.0, mini-DisplayPort 1.3, and Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can connect external displays for extensive multitasking. Other integrated features include a Full HD webcam, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, a headphone/mic combo jack, a headset jack, stereo speakers, and Alienware's TactX keyboard with N-key rollover, 9 user-programmable keys, and 4-zone, multi-color RGB-LED AlienFX lighting. Included is a power adapter and a 6-cell / 99Wh lithium-ion battery. The installed operating system is Windows 10 Home (64-bit). General Features Up to 32GB RAM The memory can be upgraded to 32GB using a 16GB module in each of the 260-pin SO-DIMM slots. Internal Storage Upgrades The system's internal storage can be upgraded or added to, as there are three M.2 SSD slots (one 2242 for SATA III & NVMe PCIe, one 2280 for SATA III & NVMe PCIe, and one 2280 for NVMe PCIe), as well as one 2.5" SATA III drive bay. IPS Display Built with an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, the display will provide you with wide 140°viewing angles and vivid colors for an immersive viewing experience. Thunderbolt 3 Thunderbolt 3 is a hardware interface that utilizes the reversible USB Type-C connector. Doubling the speed of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 3 features a maximum throughput of 40 Gb/s when used with compatible devices. The connector also transmits data via USB 3.1 at up to 10 Gb/s, and dual-bandwidth DisplayPort 1.2 allows you to connect up to two 4K displays simultaneously. Additionally, you can daisy chain up to six devices from a single Thunderbolt 3 port. Designed for VR Dive into mind-bending virtual reality experiences with a VR-ready system that passes the Oculus-ready and Vive-optimized certifications. Powered by NVIDIA VRWorks technology, a level of presence is achieved by bringing physically realistic visuals, sound, touch interactions, and simulated environments to virtual reality. And with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card, the Alienware 17 goes delivers smooth VR performance. HDMI 7.1-Channel Audio The HDMI 2.0 port can output 7.1-channel digital audio. Alienware TactX Keyboard With an upgraded Alienware TactX keyboard, N-key rollover is now supported, enabling over 108-key commands for more actions per minute, and 2.2mm of key travel allows for rapid keystroke responses. Plus, it's reinforced with a steel backplate for rigidity and uniform feedback and a life of up to 10 million keystrokes. AlienFX Lighting Create a more personalized look for your machine with AlienFX lighting. This RGB/LED-enabled lighting is supported on over 130 games with the option to create and download unique themes. AlienFX lighting features 4-zone, multi-color RGB keyboard with lighting controls. Hinge-Forward Design A hinge-forward design brings the thermal shelf to the rear, enabling a variety of improved benefits, such as a thinner overall design while increasing performance, improved ventilation, higher quality sound, and external ports organization. Designed to Keep Cool A higher maximum thermal design power (TDP) support means that your system can handle a higher total wattage for internal components, enabling a higher level of performance. With the entire ventilation system upgraded, your system can stay cool even under extreme graphics pressure. Hear Every Battle Cry Due to the upgraded design, a larger and more effective speaker box has been installed, improving audio output for a clearer and more dramatic gaming experience. Clear the Desktop and the Board Avoid excess cables and embrace the "desktop mode" design, where most of your critical connections and ports are in the back and out of the way. Killer Wireless Killer DoubleShot Pro provides a wired and wireless networking setup that prioritizes internet traffic and data streams to the applications most important to you. Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port The Alienware Graphics Amplifier can be connected to this port and enables future-proofing of upgradeable full-length, dual-wide graphics and additional 4-port USB 3.1 Gen 1 hub for added peripherals. With a dedicated PCIe x4 Gen 3 with up to 40 Gb/s throughout, you won't have to worry about the disadvantages that come with a shared connection. Please note that the Alienware Graphics Amplifier is sold separately. Battery Life The Alienware 17 contains a lithium 6-cell / 99Wh battery. Build Quality The Alienware 17 uses premium materials to deliver high-performance gaming technology. Utilizing magnesium alloy for rigidity, copper for improved performance, anodized aluminum for extra protection, and steel for tactile comfort, it features a high-quality design for high-performance gaming. Experience the Full Spectrum AlienFX uses 20 different colors to create over 80 quadrillion unique themes to give your machine a more personalized look. Supported on over 130 titles, lighting zones can be customized to react to things like in-game actions, powering on and off, and notifications by pulsing, morphing, or simply holding a solid color. Once you've finished your theme, you can save and upload it to the Alienware Arena community site where you can share your custom creation with others and download any you find. And for times when you want a little less visual stimulation, AlienFX allows you to "go dark" by disabling all lighting effects until you're ready to turn them back on. Alienware Command Center 4.6 AlienFusion The "Always Ready Mode" puts your system in a state in between sleep and awake, allowing core programs to run in the background while the machine runs quietly and in a lower power mode. AlienAdrenaline Featuring customizable game and application options, a system performance optimizer, and a performance monitoring tool, AlienAdrenaline provides users with the tools they need to keep one step ahead of the competition. Thermal Controls Change settings and monitor internal temperatures and speeds of certain fans within your Alienware system using the Active Thermals module. OC Controls Take control of overclocking levels for your memory and CPU with OC controls. Monitor memory activity levels, change settings on the fly, and turn on/off auto start in one convenient place. With customer OC, you can create your own OC mode by making choices in your settings located in the "Customer Menu" section of the BIOS OC screen. Windows 10 Start Menu After its hiatus in Windows 8, the Start Menu has returned. Utilizing a combination of the traditional menu system and Windows 8's Live Tiles, the improved Start Menu gives you more information at a glance, showing notification information alongside your applications and other pinned items. Cortana Microsoft's digital personal assistant, Cortana, can answer your questions with information gleaned from both your device and the Internet at large. You can type or even talk with her, if your system has a microphone. Using her Notebook, Cortana keeps track of your needs and wants, and she learns over time to improve her information-gathering skills. Microsoft Edge After nearly 20 years, Microsoft has finally replaced its Internet Explorer web browser. With Microsoft Edge, users can write directly on web pages and share notes with friends and colleagues. It also improves the online reading experience by adding a distraction-free mode and read-it-later functionality. Edge also has built-in Cortana integration; you can have her help you find a restaurant, make a reservation, and pull up directions without leaving your browser. Windows Store For Windows 10, Microsoft has unified the Windows Store. Now, apps for PCs, tablets, and phones will all be accessible from one place. And with support for Universal Apps, one version of an app can work across all your compatible devices automatically. Windows Continuum Windows 10 was designed for a variety of screen sizes and input styles, and with its Continuum feature, it automatically adapts to fit your needs. A Windows 10 tablet on its own requires a touch-centric approach, but attaching a mouse and keyboard will shift everything to a more traditional interface. You can even attach an external monitor to your Windows 10 phone for a near-desktop experience. But it's not just the operating system; Windows Universal Apps take advantage of Continuum as well. Xbox on Windows 10 Gaming is a big focus of Windows 10. Xbox integration allows for PC players to match up against Xbox One players on supported games, and if you have an Xbox One, you can even stream compatible titles to your PC. Native support for recording with the new Game DVR feature makes it easy to capture and share your gameplay. The new DirectX12 takes better advantage of multi-core processors, giving games a performance boost, even on older hardware. Windows 10 also features native support for virtual reality headsets, such as the Oculus Rift. Read the full article